A computer becomes slow, crashes, and sends messages without the user's knowledge. What can you infer, and what should you avoid concluding from these symptoms alone?

### What a good answer covers - Slowness, crashes, and unexpected messages are all symptoms listed in the material. - The symptoms support suspicion and further investigation, but do not prove malware is present. - They do not uniquely identify a virus, worm, or other category. - Assessment should use suitable tools and an authorized, safe environment. ### The concept Malware can increase processor use, disrupt network connections, alter files, or send messages automatically. These signs are useful indicators, but symptoms can overlap across malware types and other system problems. Diagnosis requires evidence beyond a single symptom. ### Terms - **Symptom**: An observable sign that may indicate a problem but does not by itself identify its cause. - **Malware**: Software intentionally designed to harm, control, spy on, or disrupt systems. ### Remember Symptoms raise a question; they do not establish a diagnosis.